Haunting-Tower?

11 October 2006

Budding writers are preparing for a scaring at Huntingtower Castle on Tuesday 17 October 2006, all in the name of their art. Perthshire and Blairgowrie Writing Groups will be participating in ‘Procession of Ghosts’ at this 15th century Castle, also known as the House of Ruthven. The evening will start off with a guided tour, and then acclaimed writer, Ajay Close will host a special workshop, looking at the ghosts of historical characters associated with Huntingtower. The groups will then disperse to think up their very own spooky story associated with the Castle.

A Historic Scotland spokesperson said: "Huntingtower Castle has a long and complex history, so it is no surprise that it has many ghosts associated with it. We hope the groups will enjoy their time in the Castle and not get too scared of any strange bumps in the night, as it’s more than likely just some of our two hundred beautiful pipistrelle bats making themselves comfortable as they hibernate for winter!"

As well as accommodating two families (the Ruthvens and the Murrays), Huntingtower has also encountered royalty in its long and colourful history. Mary Queen of Scots visited a couple of times, and her son, James VI (&I) was imprisoned there for ten months in 1582 during the ‘Ruthven Raid’, an attempt by the Protestant Ruthven family to detach the young king from the influence of Roman Catholic sympathisers. The late 17th Century remodelling of the Castle into a single stately residence is important because it reveals much about lairdly fashions and society at that time.

Huntingtower Castle is the summer roost of around 200 pipistrelle bats, the bats hibernate within the Castle from October to March.

Please note, this event is not open to the general public.

Notes for editors

Huntingtower Castle lies just west of Perth off the A85 to Crieff. Adult £3.50 Child £1.50 (free for the month of October) Concessions £2.50.

Also known as The House of Ruthven, Huntingtower Castle comprises of two fine and complete tower houses. The hall of the eastern tower has a fine painted ceiling.

Historic Scotland has 345 outstanding historic properties and sites in its care. These include some of the leading tourism attractions in the country, including Edinburgh, Stirling, and Urquhart Castles, Fort George, Linlithgow Palace, the Border Abbeys, and Skara Brae.

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